Discover the RIGHT TREATMENT to STOP YOUR ADDICTION

Methamphetamine abuse is a widespread problem in the United States. There are estimated to be more than 13 million Americans age 12 and older who have used it. Of these, more than half a million are chronic users. Methamphetamine may be smoked, insufflated (snorted), taken as a pill or injected intravenously. Most people choose to snort or smoke meth, but extreme users will often inject it to get the greatest effect for their money.

Most meth called “crystal meth“, is produced via chemical reactions in small, crude laboratories using hazardous substances. The drug is also available as a pharmaceutical medication but is difficult to acquire. In the 1950s, it was a popular weight loss drug. These days, prescription methamphetamine is marketed under the brand name Desoxyn (Methamphetamine hydrochloride) for treating severe ADHD.

Both methamphetamine usage and production are most commonly seen in rural areas. These locations don’t just make it easier for meth production to go undetected. Because the source stems from rural localities, the drug is inexpensive and widely available in the surrounding area, making it an appealing option for drug seekers.

Unfortunately, methamphetamine is one of the most devastating of the popular illicit drugs. Deaths caused by meth are relatively low, around 500 annually, compared to drugs like heroin, painkillers, and alcohol. However, there are a variety of other potential negative impacts that make the drug such a problem.

Behavior and Relationships

Methamphetamine abuse often leads to extreme changes in mood and personality. A person who is normally reasonable and calm may exhibit impulsiveness, severe irritability, and aggression when under the influence or during withdrawal. This increase in problematic behavior can strain interpersonal relationships to their breaking point, and may even result in physical violence toward loved ones.

Criminal Consequences

The class of drugs methamphetamine belongs to falls under the Schedule I classification by the DEA. This means that, because meth and other amphetamines have such a high abuse potential, they’re tightly controlled. Possession of a Schedule I substance without a prescription is a felony punishable by substantial fines and imprisonment. First-time offenders, depending on the amount possessed and where the arrest occurred, may receive only several years’ probation with court-ordered rehab and drug testing.

Physical Effects

Meth use symptoms suppress appetite, reduce the need for sleep and dramatically increase energy expenditure. Many meth addicts eat infrequently and tend to eat nutrient-poor foods when they do. They may also go for days at a time without sleep, all the while burning energy that they aren’t replacing.

These combined factors can take a toll on the body very quickly. This is why meth use is classically associated with a gaunt, haggard appearance. Chronic meth use overburdens the body, causing it to age prematurely. In addition, because meth causes sensations like bugs crawling under the skin, many abusers pick themselves to the point of leaving wounds.

As with any drug, it’s also possible to overdose on methamphetamine, although it’s uncommon. If you ever suspect that someone is suffering from a methamphetamine overdose, every minute counts. It’s important to call an ambulance right away.

Signs of an overdose typically include:

Confusion

Racing heartbeat and fast labored breathing

Uncontrollable tremors

Cold sweat and clammy, pale skin

Nausea and vomiting

Hallucinations

Muscle pain

Seizures

Loss of consciousness

Coma or death

Why People Use Meth

People use meth for different reasons. Some do it because they’re bored and looking for a cheap thrill. Some use meth because they enjoy the feelings of euphoria and invincibility it gives them. Other people may initially begin using the drug as a study aid in school due to its ability to dramatically improve concentration, focus, and efficiency. However, some people also become addicted to methamphetamine to deal with deeper issues, as is the case for many instances of substance abuse.

The euphoria and invincibility about methamphetamine offers make a convenient band-aid for feelings of helplessness, depression, sadness, loneliness, guilt and anxiety. While the drug is active, these people feel unaffected by their negative emotions, allowing them to ignore the emotional pain for a time. Unfortunately, the action of methamphetamine is short-lived. Once it wears off, users experience a “come-down“, or withdrawal, that can last for hours or days. The effects of this can be severe, especially if there are underlying emotional issues involved.

During this come-down, meth addicts often use a sedative drug, like marijuana, alcohol or painkillers to blunt the severity of the effects. In some cases, this can present a risk of life-threatening adverse drug interactions.

Signs of Meth Addiction

Once you know the signs, it’s often easy to tell if someone is using or addicted to methamphetamine. Keep an eye out for:

Restlessness and fidgeting

Unusual amounts of energy

Disinterest in food

Hurried speech and disorganized thought patterns

Cleaning excessively or being overly particular about object placements

Wide eyes with contracted pupils

Uncharacteristic aggression or argumentativeness

Rapid movement

Drug-seeking behavior

Finding meth or paraphernalia hidden among personal belongings

Symptoms of meth withdrawal

What To Do

If you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine addiction, getting help soon is the key to overcoming it. Choosing an inpatient methamphetamine addiction treatment center over traditional options allows patients a greater chance at recovery. During their stay, patients don’t have to deal with work, school, home life or other stresses that could cause a relapse. Furthermore, services are also available to help patients address any deeper emotional or psychological issues that were driving their methamphetamine use.

We don't always understand a loved one's addiction and the reasons for it. However, we do want to see that they receive the help that they need to recover and lead a full and complete life free from this disease.We have the resources to design a treatment program which can produce a full recovery by teaching the skills needed to remain sober going forward. The information provided by Stop Your Addiction through phone, email or web support should not be used for diagnosing or treating any physical or mental health condition or disease. If you have or suspect an alcohol or drug problem, you should consult your health care provider right away.